Department Of Pharmacology, PRES College of Pharmacy (for women), Chincholi, Nasik, Maharashtra, India
The skin acts as a defence system against heat, chemicals & physical damage, protecting the internal organs the immune system of the skin shields the body from harmful diseases. The process of wound healing is the body’s innate reaction to tissue damage (1). Healing of wounds is a natural process that occurs in the human body and involves four distinct and carefully regulated phases (2). For a wound to heal effectively, it is important for all four phases to take place in the correct order & time frame. The healing of skin wounds is Complicated & involves various cells, cytokines, mediators & the vascular system working together. It is a intricate & carefully regulated Procedure that is crucial for maintaining Skin regulatory function as well as the skin’s protective function. If the skin is injured, bacteria can immediately enter the tissues beneath it, causing severe infections & long-lasting wounds that can be life (3). The ancient wisdom of plant-based medicine has yielded a treasure trove of Phyto-medicines, each imbued with remarkable pharmacological properties. These natural guardians of health have been employed with impressive results, fortifying the body's defences against wounds and infections. Numerous plants have been identified as having wound healing properties, working through various mechanisms to promote prevention, repair, and recovery. The Green Architects of Skin Regeneration: Unlocking Nature's Remedies: An Exploration of Botanicals in Wound Repair. This review charts the fascinating landscape of medicinal plants that have been leveraged to enhance skin healing, examining the multifaceted therapeutic properties and mechanistic strategies that enable them to accelerate wound recovery. By mapping the botanical terrain of skin regeneration, we aim to uncover the hidden patterns and connections that underlie the remarkable efficacy of these plant-based remedies.
A wound is any damage to the skin's barrier that lets pain and illness enter the body. A wound is an interruption in the structure of the skin caused by a disease, trauma, or external injury Wound narrowing is the process of returning damaged tissue to its pre-damaged state, whereas wound healing is the process of the wound contracting. The sort and extent of the damage, the tissue's general health, and the tissue's ability to mend itself are the main determining factors. The Wound's Regenerative Niche: A Nexus of Cellular Transformation ,At the wound's edge, a remarkable process unfolds, as undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, the blank canvases of tissue regeneration, differentiate into fibroblasts, the master builders of the extracellular matrix. These cells converge with collagen, the structural framework, edema, the transient yet vital influx of fluid, and the tiny, newly formed blood vessels, the lifelines of nutrient and oxygen delivery. Together, they form a dynamic, regenerative tissue that heralds the wound's transformation. The effects of methanol extracts of K. rotunda, E. cannabinum, and their separated components were screened on, incision, excision and dead space wound models in addition to the control and reference standard funycetin sulphate cream treated animals. Several of these drugs have been scientifically tested to see if they may heal wounds in different pharmacological models and people, but there is still unrealized Nature's Pharmacopeia: Unveiling the Hidden Potential of Herbal Wound Care, In the realm of traditional herbalism, a wealth of untapped potential awaits discovery. Active chemical components, hidden within the petals, leaves, and roots of ancient remedies, hold the key to enhanced wound healing. As we navigate the complex terrain of skin injuries, two distinct categories emerge: open wounds, where the skin's canvas is torn asunder, and closed wounds, where the subtle brutality of blunt force trauma conceals the damage, inviting the gentle touch of herbal restoration.
Classification of wounds:
A. Acute Wounds: Acute wounds are the ultimate demonstration of the body's incredible healing velocity. These wounds are the fast lane to recovery, where the skin's self-repair machinery kicks into high gear, accelerating the journey from injury to restoration. With acute wounds, the body's natural repair processes are supercharged, propelling the healing process forward with remarkable speed and agility following a natural and organized process that restores both function and appearance. These wounds often occur after surgery or trauma.
B. Chronic Wounds: Chronic wounds, , are defined by their failure to heal within a month and their deviation from the normal healing stages, often getting stuck in one phase. This type of wound is more challenging to treat due to its abnormal healing process, slow progress, and tendency to persist, leading to significant consequences (5).
Wound healing process:
"The Wound Healing Odyssey: A Harmonious Symphony of Four Distinct Chapters, The journey of wound healing unfolds as a beautifully orchestrated sequence of interconnected phases, each building upon the previous one to restore the skin's integrity. This intricate process can be distilled into four distinct yet overlapping chapters (4).
(1) Coagulation: In this initial phase, a protective blood clot forms, serving as a makeshift shield to stem fluid loss and block the invasion of harmful microorganismsIt helps restore hemostasis, serves as a storage for bioactive substances and antimicrobials, creates a provisional extracellular matrix that aids in immune cell movement, and kickstarts the process of tissue repair.
(2) Inflammation: In this phase, the body responds to injury by sending signals that attract immune cells, increase blood flow, and release antimicrobial substances to combat potential infections. The body's response is activated by a combination of molecular triggers, including specific patterns, free radicals, and other reactive compounds. As a result, immune cells infiltrate the area, releasing alarm signals and activating nearby cells, including keratinocytes (skin cells) and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells), to initiate the healing process.
(3)Proliferation/migration/reepithelialization/granulation: The healing process advances to a new level, characterized by a harmonious convergence of multiple cell types, leading to:Cell growth and movement (migration and proliferation),Inflammation subsiding, Production of collagen and connective tissue framework (ECM synthesis), Reduced leakage from blood vessels, Formation of new tiny blood vessels (angiogenesis), Restoration of the skin's surface layer (re-epithelialization), Creation of new tissue (granulation tissue formation).
(4) Remodelling/maturation: The changes in collagen/ECM balance (production and breakdown); reorganization and alignment of ECM; contraction of ECM; apoptosis of endothelial cells and fibroblasts; and restoration of pigmentation.
Different wound healing models:
A. In-vitro Studies:
1. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assay
2. Fibroblast assay
3. Keratinocytes assay
4. Collagen assay
5. Scratch assay
6. Endothelial cell in-vitro tube formation assay
B. Ex-vivo studies:
1. Human organotypic skin explanted culture (hosec)
2. Porcine model
3. Human ex-vivo skin culture (HESC)
4. Organotypic culture (OTC)
C. In-vivo studies:
1. Excision wound model
2. Incision wound Model
3. Burn wound model
4. Dead space wound model (6)
Table: Plant based medicines on wound healing:
|
Sr. no. |
Medicinal Plant Name |
Type of assay used |
Experimental Models |
MOA |
Reference |
|
1. |
Curcuma longa |
In vivo |
Albino Rats |
Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. Increased collagen secretion, fibroblasts migration and angiogenesis |
7 |
|
2. |
Aloe vera |
In vivo, Punch biopsy, |
Sprague Dawley Rats |
Immunomodulatory Antiviral, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammatory, Increased collagen formation and neovascularization. |
8 |
|
3. |
Sesamum indicum L seed and oil |
In vivo |
Excision, Incision, Dead space & burn wound models on Albino rats |
Enhances epithelisation, antipoxidants |
9 |
|
4. |
Artemisia pallens |
In vivo |
Burn wound |
antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity |
10 |
|
5. |
Gymnema sylvestre |
In vitro/In vivo |
Burn Wound & excision |
Enhanced reepithelialization, fibroblast proliferation and antioxidant activity |
11 |
|
6. |
Carica papaya |
In vivo |
Excision & dead space |
Antimicrobial |
12 |
|
7. |
Sphaeranthus indicus |
in vivo |
Albino rats |
Antimicrobial, protection against microbial invasion |
13 |
|
8. |
Glycyrrhiza glabra |
In vivo |
Sprague- Dawley rats |
Accelerated Wound Healing: Angiogenesis, collagen secretion and tensile strength, fibroblast proliferation of the wounds |
14 |
|
9. |
Bacopa monnieri |
In vivo |
Albino rats |
Enhanced re-epithelialization and collagen secretion. |
15 |
|
10. |
Azadirachta indica |
In vitro/In vivo |
Diabetic rats/ Wistar rats |
Triple Threat Against Wound Infection: Antimicrobial, cell proliferative and anti- inflammatory activity |
16 |
|
11. |
Andrographis paniculata |
In vivo |
albinos Wistar rats (Excision model) |
Antimalarial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Hepatoprotective, Hypotensive, Immunostimulatory |
17 |
|
12. |
Blumea balsamifera |
In vivo |
Mice (Excision wound model) |
Antifungal, Antiobesity, Antiplasmodial, Antitumour |
17 |
|
13. |
Boswellia sacra |
In vivo & in vitro antibacterial assay |
Excision wound model in diabetic C57BL/6 mice |
Antiallergic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory |
17 |
|
14. |
Calendula officinalis |
in vitro/In vivo |
Rats Scratch assay, Excision wound model in BALB/c mice, Punch wound model |
Anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, |
17 |
|
15. |
Ficus benghalensis |
In vivo |
Excision & incision, wistar albino rats |
Increased wound tensile strength |
18 |
|
16. |
Capparis zeylanica |
In vivo |
Excision, incision |
Wound healing activity |
19 |
|
17. |
Acalypha indica |
In vivo |
Albino rats |
Activated TNF-alpha and increase cell proliferation |
20 |
|
18. |
Brugmansiasuavelens Bercht. Presl. Leaves |
In vivo |
Albino rats, excision, incision & dead space model |
Promote wound healing activity |
21 |
|
19. |
Allium sativum (garlic) |
In vivo |
Incision on rabbits |
Anti-inflammatory & wound heaing activity |
22 |
|
20. |
Eucalyptus oil |
In vitro & in vivo |
HFB4 invitro test, rats |
Antimicrobial activity |
23 |
|
21. |
Tridax procumbens |
In vivo |
Excision, rats |
Wound healing activity, prohealing potential & anti-inflammatory activity |
24 |
|
22. |
Chromolaena odorata (L.) (Siam weed) |
In vitro/In vivo |
Male SpragueDawley rats, Fibroblast, keratinocytes and endothelial cells,adult |
Hemostasis, vasoconstriction, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and Antioxidant |
25 |
|
23. |
Margina oleifora Lam |
In vivo |
Excision, incision |
Wound healing activity |
26 |
|
24. |
Ceologyne cristata |
In vivo |
Excision & incision |
Anti- inflammatory |
27 |
|
25. |
Musa saplentum (banana) |
In vivo |
Excision, incision, ulcer |
Wound healing activity |
28 |
|
26. |
Calotropis gigantea |
In vivo |
Rats, incision |
Increase breaking strength of incision wounds |
29 |
|
27. |
Cinnamomum cassia |
In vitro and in vivo |
Rats (Excision wound model ) |
Anticancer, , Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic |
30 |
|
28. |
Scoparia dulcis |
In vivo |
Excision, incision |
Anti-inflammatory & wound healing activity |
31 |
|
29. |
Panax ginseng |
In vivo |
Laser burn, excision cell migration , wound healing assay |
Antiaging , Antiallergic, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory |
32 |
|
30. |
Cassia fistula |
In vitro/In vivo |
Male Wistar albino rats |
Anti-bacterial, increased re- epithelialization and collagen secretion |
33 |
|
31. |
Commiphora myrrha |
In vitro |
cell migration assay |
Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant |
34 |
|
32. |
Ocimum sanctum |
In vivo |
Excision, incision |
Wound healing activity |
35 |
|
33. |
Gmelina arborea |
In vivo |
Wistar albino rats |
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity |
36 |
|
34. |
Rubia cardifolia |
In vivo |
Excision, incision |
Wound healing activity |
37 |
|
35. |
Ipomoea batatas ( sweet potato) |
In vivo |
Excision, incision |
antioxidant activity, antidiabetic activity |
38 |
|
36. |
Salvia officinalis |
In vivo |
Wistar rats, Swiss albino rats |
Anti-inflammatory, anti- nociceptive and inhibited ROS production, ,increased blood vessels formation |
39 |
|
37. |
Panax notoginseng |
In vitro |
Rats |
Anticancer, Antidiabetes, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidative, Immunostimulatory |
40 |
|
38. |
Hibiscus rosasinensis |
In vivo |
Rats (Excision, incision and dead space wound models) |
Antibacterial, Antitumour, |
41 |
|
39. |
Acanthus polystachyus
|
In vivo |
Excision & incision |
Analgesic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant, antimicrobial |
42 |
|
40. |
Malva sylvestris |
In vivo |
Wistar rats, BALB/c albino mice and Diabetic rats. |
Increased collagen synthesis, reduce fibrosis, increased reepithelialization time and antiinflammatory |
43 |
|
41. |
Rheum officinale |
In vivo |
Excision on rats |
antiinflammatory, antioxidative, hemostatic |
44 |
|
42. |
Salvia miltiorrhiza |
In vitro |
Rats |
Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiplatelet aggregation |
45 |
|
43. |
Ganoderma lucidum |
In vivo |
Mice |
Antihyperlipidemic, Anti-infective, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Cardioprotective |
46 |
|
44. |
Terminalia arjuna
|
In vivo |
Excision incision on rats |
rapid healing of the wound |
47 |
|
45. |
Sanguisorba officinalis |
In vivo |
Burn wound model in mice |
Antioxidant, Haemostatic, Immunomodulatory |
48 |
|
46. |
Camellia sinensis |
In vivo |
Excision,Sprague Dawley rats |
Anti-inflammatory, wound healing activity |
49 |
|
47. |
Punica granatum
|
In vivo |
Burn wound model, rats |
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects, increased fibroblast production |
50 |
|
48. |
Glycyrrhiza glabra |
In vivo |
Sprague-Dawley rat, burn wound |
Anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-arrhythmic, anti-viral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, |
51 |
|
49. |
Merremia tridentata
|
In vivo |
Excision, incision & dead space models |
effective wound healing activity. |
52 |
|
50. |
Lonicera japonica |
In vivo |
Rat excision wound model |
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant |
53 |
CONCLUSION:
Changes in one of the healing phases or disruptions to skin integrity cause the wound healing process to be delayed. Modifiable risk variables need to be understood and optimized in order to manage wounds efficiently. These reviews include information about medicinal plants, many of which are gifts from nature that have exceptional wound-healing properties. Because these plants have strong active components that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities, they can be utilized to treat wounds in a variety of ways
REFERENCES
Waje Pooja*, Dr. Kotade Kiran, Assessing the Efficacy of Different Medicinal Plants in Promoting Wound Healing, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 1, 419-430. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14608709
10.5281/zenodo.14608709
